Four years ago, a miniature Dachshund named Ernie was diagnosed with a spinal condition, which caused his paralysis. He could no longer use his legs. Three different veterinarians already suggested that the best thing to do would be to put him down. They all felt that the paralysis will significantly affect the quality of Ernie’s life.
Ernie’s owner, Elaine Brechin, adopted Ernie when the dog’s previous owner could no longer care for him because of his condition. The dog could not walk nor stand at that time. But, she was not in favor of putting the dog down because she wanted to give him the best chance at survival. She vowed to do her best to help Ernie survive.
In the next months following Ernie’s adoption, Elaine focused her attention on helping Ernie recover. The dog underwent several treatments regularly. These treatments, such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, electromagnetic treatment, and laser therapy, helped strengthen Ernie’s muscles and improve his nerve function and balance. Elaine spent about £5000 to make Ernie mobile, and she recorded all his progress through a series of photos and videos.
At first, Elaine let Ernie use a custom-made wheelchair to support the pup. After 18 months of vigorous treatments, Ernie defied expectations and began to take his first steps unaided. He has progressed impressively since then. Now, the nine-year-old dog enjoys his walkies and playtimes at the beach.
Ernie’s disease is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), common among Dachshunds because of their short stature. In this condition, discs can press on the spinal cord’s nerves, leading to nerve damage, severe pain, or paralysis.
Last August 2020, Ernie spread awareness of the disease and raised funds to buy vital equipment to support dogs with IVDD. He did this through a 5km charity walk. Elaine recorded Ernie’s daily unaided walks, and the determined dog reached his target by the end of the month. In the end, the fundraising activity raised £2020, and Elaine couldn’t be any prouder of her dog, whom she dubbed as “Sir Tom Moore of the Dog World” following the success of the charity walk.
Photo credits to Elaine Brechin via Facebook.